Week 9 Review

Mentor's dominating 38-14 win over previously unbeaten Hudson was easily their top performance of the year.  The Explorers came to Mentor with an 8-0 record and the top spot in the Region 1 computer rankings.  The Cardinals clearly showed they are playing on another level than even the strongest of their league foes. 

NOC Dominance

Mentor is wrapping up their third season in the Northeast Ohio Conference.  During that time, they have a 13-1 record against the NOC Valley and a 19-1 overall record against NOC teams.  The lone blemish was in Week 10 in 2011 at Twinsburg.  In the 19 wins, the 24-point margin of defeat by Hudson is the closest any team got.  Hudson had an impressive year in the Valley (going 3-0 against Solon, Strongsville, and Brunswick) - but Mentor is in a league of their own.

Krizancic 

If not for the recent string of Mr. Football QB's - we in Mentor may appreciate Conner Krizancic a little more.  He is having a fantastic season.  After a slow start due to an apparent dead arm, Krizancic has come into his own and his playing his way as an All-District QB.  Who would have thought that 6 or 7 weeks ago?  After Week 3, Krizancic was 23-38 passing for 219 yards and 2 touchdowns.  Lately, he is able to do better than that in a single game.  On the season, the senior has 2,662 combined yards (passing, rushing, and receiving) to go along with 32 touchdowns.

Defense

The offense was good on Friday.  But the defense continued their strong play as well.  Hudson came into this game with a much hyped QB in Mitchell Guadagni.  He certainly showcased a strong and accurate arm.  Guadagni was able to bust a couple of big runs.  But the defense made sure it wasn't five or six big plays with his legs.  Overall, Guadagni was held in check - and that is all you can ask out of your defense.  The defensive line did their part in forcing Guadagni to make quick throws.  The secondary was led by some big pass break ups by seniors Kiyah Powell and Keith McCormick.  Senior LB Justin McMahon had another strong performance that included an interception.  The defense is continuing to improve each week.  Opponents will not be putting up big numbers on this defense in November.  

Making the most of it

Senior receiver Jake Berardinelli has had very few opportunities in the first eight games of the season.  Most of his reps came when the game was already over.  He was recovering from an injury at the beginning of the season and lost his starting spot.  Berardinelli certainly earned that spot back for the rest of the season with his stellar play on Friday.  The 6'1, 200-pound target was effective at coming up with a big play when needed most.  With opposing defenses are focused on the legs of Krizancic and RB Eddie Daugherty as well as the deep receiving threats in Fritts/Plavcan - the opportunity to shine is there.  In the past two games, Berardinelli has 7 catches for 95 yards and a touchdown.  He has rushed for 43 yards on just four carries as well.

Computer Points

Mentor now sits at No. 2 in the Region 1 computer rankings.  I project the Cards to finish no lower than that as long as they take care of business against Strongsville (5-4) this week.  That means a home game in Week 11 and (hopefully) a favorable draw.  Mentor's most likely first round opponents are Toledo Whitmer (remember them?), Massillon Jackson, and Shaker Heights.  All should be decided by Saturday.  Check www.joeeitel.com/hsfoot for the latest.